Talk Heathen

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Talk Heathen 03.50 2019-12-15 with Vi La Bianca & Eric Wells Dec 15, 2019

Show notes

TALK HEATHEN 03.50 for 2019-12-15 with Vi La Bianca & Eric Wells
SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:09:44 Mike - Germany - How to respond to someone who is fearful of their God.
00:20:54 Rob - LA - Has irrefutable proof of the existence of God.
00:37:40 Richard - USA - Struggling with letting go of prayer after de-converting
00:50:09 Gabriel - MO - Has a syllogism he would like to share
00:58:50 Chris - CA - Paranormal experiences might be real!
01:16:53 Matthew - MI - How do you get over paranormal/supernatural events
01:29:41 Joe - WA - Recently de-converted atheist, trying to protect their 5 yr old
01:39:27 Charles - Canada - Visiting parents as an atheist, asked to pray and not sure how to handle that.
SHOW NOTES
In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, we have Vi La Bianca as host and they are joined by Eric Wells. Eric is visiting us from Recovering from Religion where he is a Support Group Director. Welcome Eric, we are glad to have you join us today!
Let’s get to calls. The first caller is Mike from Germany. He is concerned about a friend who is fearful of the afterlife and personal punishment at the hands of her God. He isn’t sure how to approach this and is wondering if he is helping at all. Listen in to hear Vi figure out next steps.
Next up, Rob from Louisiana would like to talk about how he has irrefutable proof and explanation for the existence of God. He claims that God exists because we created him and is speaking as though he is an expert on how a theist thinks. Vi has a couple concerns and is ready to refute these claims, tune in and find out!
The following caller named Richard from the USA wants to talk about how to completely let go of prayer after recently de-converting. It’s totally OK to continue to pray to yourself can be helpful. Just as long as you don’t expect a supernatural result or solution.
The next caller in the queue is Gabriel from Missouri wanting to share a syllogism to prove God is imaginary. We really should apply the same skepticism and laws of logic to all claims, including the claims that take on the burden of proof by claiming God is imaginary. Listen in to find out where this conversation leads.
Next up, Chris in California claims that paranormal activity and experiences with the paranormal is real. Would like to talk about this with Vi and Eric. Listen in to find out what they discover.
Afterwards we have Matthew from Michigan. He is wondering how to completely get over the paranormal/supernatural events that haunt him. Vi has some great words of wisdom and is able to deconstruct this in a positive way.
Then we have Joe from Washington. He is challenged with raising his 5 year old with secular ideals in a religious household and region. Listen in to hear Eric help him with navigating these murky waters. You are not alone Joe!
Our last caller of the day, Charles in Canada would like to discuss how he visiting his parents as an atheist. He is concerned about how to handle their requests that he pray with them. Vi and Eric have really great ideas to continue to keep the peace with religious family.
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Talk Heathen 03.49 2019-12-08 with Eric Murphy & Vi La Bianca Dec 08, 2019

Show notes

SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:06:11 Ed - PA - While in prison, was introduced to a racist religion.
00:17:56 David - AR - Is there a transition phase between theist and atheist?
00:31:012 Fred - FL - What is our definition of a Christian
00:53:25 CC - Canada - Former Atheist discusses definitions this week.
01:17:09 Randy - OH - Why not use religion as a placebo?
01:23:31 Kevin - NY - Would like to talk about the Book of Enoch
01:41:36 MurdermanTX - TX - Created the amazing flowchart!
01:45:14 Matthew - VA - Son is coming home with some fundamentalist ideas.
01:51:15 David - Ottowa - Faith in 12-step programs
SHOW NOTES
Happy December Heathens! In this episode of Talk Heathen, Eric Murphy is joined by Vi La Bianca. Prepare yourselves for an awesome show!
The first caller is Ed from Pennsylvania. He was introduced to a racist white supremacist religion while in prison. He called in to talk about it and in looking back at how horrible it was. We are glad you’re out man, thanks for calling!
Next up, David from Arkansas. He is a repeat caller and is on the journey of deconversion. Is there a process in leaving religion? Oh yeah there is, and it awhile to get through it. We are all different in how long and which path it takes. Tune in and watch Eric and Vi talk about this process.
The following caller named Fred from Florida is curious about our description of what a Christian is. He follows up his question with the biblical definition and how it relates to how Eric and Vi answered this question. Tune in to see what happens next, it’s fascinating.
He’s back… The next caller in the queue is “Clearly Canadian Catholic” (again) from Canada wanting to discuss how his view changed from “inner circle atheist” to deeply devoted Roman Catholic. He has called multiple times in the last couple weeks, you may recognize his speech patterns. Listen in to hear both hosts try to pin down his “reconversion” story.
Next up, Randy in Ohio is questioning whether religion is a placebo and do we suffer under a placebo effect. Watch and see how Eric and Vi break this down.
Afterwards we have Kevin from New York. Believes there is science within the ancient Book of Enoch and that it also describes black holes. Discussion ensues about this, a quick highlight: today I found out Eric is Spiderman. Tune in to find out if this is true.
Up next is MurdermanTX from TX. He created the flowchart to help figure out where the arguments CC brings up go and where they are likely to head. An easy way to track especially for us visual folk. Thanks dude!
Next in the queue is Matthew in Virginia, who questions how to deal with his son who has been coming home from school with some very disturbing ideas about hell and fundamentalist ideologies due to a friend at school. Listen in to hear how Eric and Vi help him understand where to go with this.
Our last caller of the day, David in Ottawa would like to discuss faith in 12-step programs. There are a lot of good secular programs out there to help. Here’s some great resources: https://www.seculartherapy.org/ and https://www.smartrecovery.org/
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Talk Heathen 03.48 2019-12-01 with Eric Murphy & Vi La Bianca Dec 01, 2019

Show notes

SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:05:36 Antonio - Panama - Has a reasonable argument/hypothesis for the existence of God.
00:24:07 Nicolas - Bahamas - What gives us purpose?
00:30:31 Khuzam - London, UK - Feels lost between being a deist and an atheist.
00:42:05 David - TX - Is belief a choice? Don’t we all believe in something?
00:58:11 Dave - GA - Would like to talk about the Great Commission
01:07:22 John - GA - What sort of evidence are we looking for?
01:21:41 Jai - NC - How do you reconcile new age beliefs with atheism?
01:39:07 Freiby - NJ - There is a way to have absolute certainty
SHOW NOTES
In today’s episode of Talk Heathen, Eric Murphy is joined by Vi La Bianca. It’s already December folks, the year is almost up. We are thankful for you and we are glad you are a part of this community!
After a couple of announcements, the calls begin. The first caller is Antonio from Panama. Through the use of psychedelics, he claims visions, extra-ordinary consciousness, and personal experiences during a drug trip prove God. The only proof we received during this call was a very smart kitty, meow meow meow!
Next up, Nicolas from the Bahamas would like to talk about purpose. What drives us to do what we do? We give ourselves purpose and we are influenced by our experiences in life. Listen in to hear Eric and Vi break this all down for him.
The following caller named Khuzam from London, UK is concerned about making the plunge into being an atheist. He knows he is using the special pleading fallacy in still being a deist. It’s incredibly freeing to being an atheist. Come on in Khuzam, the water is fine.
The next caller in the queue is David from Texas wanting to discuss whether belief is a choice. He may also be projecting his experiences and trying to use them as evidence. See Vi and Eric explain how belief isn’t a choice and that everyone isn’t born with an inherent faith.
Next up, Dave in Georgia would like to discuss how the “Great Commission” destroys cultures. He has first hand experience in missionary work and is trying to live that down as a current atheist. It still haunts him to this day. Listen in to how Eric provides great insight on how to get through this.
Afterwards we have a return caller, John from Georgia. He wonders about atheists and the evidence needed to prove God. Also wonders if the answers we are searching for will be answered in the future due to better understanding. It is very possible, that is a great question!
Next in the queue, Jai in North Carolina would like to discuss how to reconcile new age beliefs with atheism. It’s totally ok to have some vestiges of your ritual religions, as long as it doesn’t interfere too much. It’s ok to have this placebo in your secular life.
Our last caller of the day, Freiby in New Jersey would like to talk about absolute certainty and how can we be 100% certain of things. There are variables at play within our reality that make 100% capital ‘T’ truth difficult and we cannot presuppose anything. You can though, operate through degrees of certainty and give yourself permission to live that way.
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Talk Heathen 03.47 2019-11-24 with Eric Murphy & Vi La Bianca Nov 25, 2019

Show notes

Talk Heathen 03.47 for 2019-11-24 with Eric Murphy & Vi La Bianca
SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:04:51 Brandon - AZ - Origins + divinity of the bible = the bible code. Is that still a thing?
00:34:03 Anna - Jerusalem - Her father is dying, wonders how to explain death to her child.
00:51:013 Kamal - AL - Troubled by what his sister has said to him after deconverting.
00:59:13 Gohan - TX - Has some questions about the pro-life standpoint on abortion.
01:19:37 Satan - OR (Hell?) - Wants to talk about the cognitive processes of believers
01:29:40 Michael - FL - Was in a cult, having trouble getting out of the religious mindset.
SHOW NOTES
Welcome to Talk Heathen! In today’s episode, Eric Murphy is joined by Vi La Bianca. Sorry about your “squeaky” jacket Vi, I’m sure it is fabulous.
The first caller is a repeat caller, Brandon from Arizona. He would like to talk about the origins and divinity of the bible. Uses the no true scotsman fallacy to explain away both Vi’s and Eric’s history as previous born-again Christians. He also completely disregarded the homework we asked of him last time he called. Eric and Vi investigate his claims and attempt to get to the truth.
The next caller, Anna from Jerusalem would like to talk about how to explain death to her child. She is concerned he will hear of Gan Eden (Heaven) and wonders how best to approach this. Listen in on how Eric honestly delves into this topic.
The next caller is our good friend Kamal from Alabama. He is troubled and concerned with how his sister has been unaccepting of his deconversion. She claims he doesn’t understand love. Kamal definitely knows love and we love and adore him. Good luck Kamal! We will see you soon at the freethought library!
The next caller in the queue is Gohan from Texas would like to discuss the pro-life stance. He posits a couple questions that are well outside and beyond the scope of this topic. He receives an open invitation to call during AXP to discuss this with Matt.
Next up, Satan in Oregon (Hell?) wants to talk about the cognitive processes of believers. After talking tangentially about nothing and both Eric and Vi having a tough time following his train of thought, he finally gets to the point of his call. Tune in to help us understand where his train is going.
Our last caller, Michael from Florida is troubled with letting go of the religious mindset. Is also concerned with finding a partner to share in his newfound agnosticism. He would definitely find some help from the recovering from religion folks: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/
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Talk Heathen 03.46 2019-11-17 with Eric Murphy & Vi La Bianca Nov 17, 2019

Show notes

SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:03:42 Nicolas - Bahamas - Would the world be a safe place without religion?
00:09:21 Shane - UT - Knows there is a god due to love. What is love? Baby don’t hurt me...
00:26:52 Bree - IA - Troubled about the rapture and how it traumatized her as a child
00:33:41 Fred - FL - Claims near death experiences proves there is an afterlife
00:56:31 Aiden - MA - Would like some tips on how to approach apologetics respectfully
01:03:21 Michael - KS - Experienced some rough times and struggling with Christian platitudes.
01:15:17 Troy - TX - Struggled with coming out as an atheist and his wife’s response.
01:21:50 Connor - NV - How to deal with folks who don’t want to hear our point of view.
SHOW NOTES
Welcome to Talk Heathen! In today’s episode, Eric Murphy is joined by Vi La Bianca. Welcome back to the co-host seat Vi, we love your insight!
The first caller is Nicolas from the Bahamas. He would like to talk about if the world would be a utopia or safe place if there was no religion. Tune in to hear about how Eric and Vi parse this idea.
The next caller, Shane from Utah would like to talk about how love means there is a god. Claims that emotion means energy in motion and therefore god. Listen in and find out how Eric and Vi break it all down.
After a little bit of discussion about love and the previous caller, the next caller is Bree from Iowa. She wants to talk about how the rapture completely troubled her as a child. Leaving religion isn’t easy, it takes time to unpack that baggage when you’re out. It’s worth giving yourself time to process.
The next caller in the queue is Fred from Florida would like to discuss that there is evidence of an afterlife because of near death experiences. Watch to hear how Eric explains how this is a false equivalency.
Next up, Aiden in Massachusetts will be reading a book by Lee Strobel and would love to hear some tips on how to approach the subject matter (Christian apologetics.) Eric and Vi both love this topic and gave him some great recommendations.
Afterward, Michael from Kansas is troubled with people providing horrible Christian platitudes in the face of him dealing with loss. Michael we love you and you have community with us. Your grandmother would be proud of you for speaking up.
Subsequently, Troy in Texas is seeking recommendations for going through a divorce as a secular/atheist person. His wife responded poorly to him coming out and he is looking for resources to getting help.
Our last caller, Connor from Nevada is calling about how to deal with folks who don’t want to hear his point of view. It’s totally ok to walk away from a conversation if you find the reasoning is fallacious or if you need to follow up later. ‘I don’t know’ is definitely ok to use!
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Talk Heathen 03.45 2019-11-10 with Eric Murphy & Lloyd Evans Nov 10, 2019

Show notes

The Atheist Experience 23.45 for 2019-10-27 with Eric Murphy & Lloyd Evans
SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:06:11 Connor - TX - Feeling anger due to the lies told by religion
00:17:36 Brandon - AZ - Prophecy proves god is real
00:36:21 Lane - UT - Do outsiders view certain religions as ridiculous
00:44:25 John - GA - What sort of evidence do atheists need for the existence of god?
00:55:44 Mark - Italy - Is not a Christian any longer, can we talk about the trinity?
01:05:57 Jessica - MI - Troubled and scared of completely leaving religious life
01:15:38 Dean - NC - Wondering if we look at a brain, can we visualize thoughts?
01:24:03 Cal - MO - Growing up financially supported by religion, worth thinking about it?
01:31:35 Shalev - WA - Seeking ideas to approach conversations with theistic relatives
SHOW NOTES
Welcome to Talk Heathen! In today’s episode, Eric Murphy is joined by Lloyd Evans. Lloyd runs a youtube channel (John Cedars), wrote an amazing book (The Reluctant Apostate), and a website for ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses (www.jwsurvey.org) providing resources to those JWs who are seeking help getting out.
The first caller is Connor from Texas. He would like to talk about how to approach how religions tend to lie to their congregation. He is feeling some anger about this. Listen in to hear how Lloyd explains this and finding perspective.
The next caller, Brandon from Arizona would like to continue to discuss his position that prophecy proves god is real. He has called in before and you may recognize his voice. Listen in and find out how Eric and Lloyd break down his argument.
The following caller named Lane from Utah wants to talk about how the view of certain religions can be seen as ridiculous, specifically Mormonism.
The next caller in the queue is John from Georgia wanting to discuss the evidence needed by atheists to prove the existence of god. Tune in to hear how Eric processes this.
Next up, Mark in Italy is no longer a Christian (possibly an ex-JW,) but would like to discuss Christian apologetics and whether or not the bible proves the trinity.
Afterward, Jessica from Mississippi talks about how scared they are of completely extricating themselves from religion and feeling free from indoctrination. This is something worth listening to as well as visiting Recovering from Religion: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/
Subsequently, Dean in North Carolina ponders if we look at a brain, are we able to see and access thoughts as they occur.
The next caller, Cal from Missouri is struggling with having been financially supported by religion growing up, and wondering if it is worth caring about it now he is an atheist. Lloyd does his magic and unpacks this with care. Tune in to see!
Our last caller, Shalev from Washington would like to discuss how to have conversations with their religious relatives.
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Talk Heathen 03.44 2019-11-03 with Eric Murphy & Vi La Bianca Nov 03, 2019

Show notes

Talk Heathen 03.44 for 2019-11-03 with Eric Murphy & Vi La Bianca
SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:05:25 Ethan - CT - Questioning how long it takes to remove rituals from his life.
00:19:30 Fred - FL - How do atheists write off all the religious testimony throughout history.
00:42:40 Ha-Satan - CA - Has proof God is real and is happy to share!
01:02:05 Jeff - PN - What is the difference between confirmation and confirmation bias.
01:14:50 Dylan - TX - Struggling with possibly becoming a believer again.
01:28:52 Becky - KY - Dealing with the upcoming holidays and theist relatives.
SHOW NOTES
In this episode of Talk Heathen, Eric Murphy is joined by Vi La Bianca! Wow it’s already November! We are all ready for the cooler weather and cocoa! Eric, definitely enjoy the salted caramel flavored cocoa, it sounds decadent!
After some announcements, they begin taking calls. The first caller is Ethan from Connecticut. He would like to talk about his recent deconversion and is wondering about how long it takes to get rid of personal religious rituals. Vi has really great ideas on how to transition from religious ritual to something more helpful in secular life.
The next caller, Fred from Florida would like to discuss how Atheists can write off the thousands and thousands of religious testimony throughout history. Listen in and find out how Eric and Vi unpack and process this question and more.
The following caller named Ha-Satan from California has proof that God is real and is willing to share through illogical allegory, incorrect reasons to dismiss others & their struggles, and claims atheists are condescending towards theists.
The next caller in the queue is Jeff from Pennsylvania wanting to discuss how to determine the difference between confirmation bias and confirmation. Tune in to hear Eric’s explanation and many examples illustrating his point.
Next up, Dylan in Texas is troubled with the possibility of going back to Christianity because what if we are wrong as atheists. Pascal’s wager can really cause a lot of problems in life and recovering from religion can help: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/
Our last caller, Becky from Kentucky talks about how to deal with her theistic relatives and in-laws during the upcoming holidays. Needs resources to help her not only being an atheist but also getting out of the bible belt. We have resources for you Becky!
As a last note, if you need to talk to someone and are an atheist or non-religious person, please do visit https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/ or call 1-844-368-2848. They have trained agents at the ready to assist! https://www.seculartherapy.org/ is another wonderful resource ready for you if you need them.
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Talk Heathen 03.43 2019-10-27 with Eric Murphy & Vi La Bianca Oct 27, 2019

Show notes

Talk Heathen 03.43 for 2019-10-27 with Eric Murphy & Vi La Bianca
SHOW TIME-STAMPS
00:05 Landon - Atlanta, GA - Ad Hominem alert! Our first hangup in this episode!
00:06 Hiram - NY - Was Jesus a historically real person?
00:11 Tessa - South Korea - Her mom is terrified of being non-spiritual.
00:17 Patrick - MO - Update on his deconversion from earlier this year.
00:29 Richard - VA - Wonders about using the scientific method on the bible.
00:42 Ethan - TN - How to talk about controversial topics with the religious without “outing” oneself.
00:49 Wounded Fox - MA - Repeat caller, continuing to ponder about nihilism.
1:00:01 William - OK - It’s easy to let go of belief, but struggling with fundamentalist sibling.
1:00:13 Dean - NC - What evidence do we need to believe there is a creator?
1:00:43 Dwane - TN - What would humanity be like if…
SHOW NOTES
In this special Halloween week episode of Talk Heathen, Jon Snow is joined by the Mad Hatter. (Their alter egos being Eric Murphy and Vi La Bianca respectively.) Happy fall/Halloween/Samhain everyone!
First up, announcements and show and tell. Talk Heathen regularly gets gifts from fans and we love showing these amazing gifts from our creative fans!
The first caller of the show is Landon from Georgia. First hangup of the show, caller decides to be a troll and uses ad hominem attacks. Goodbye!
The next caller, Hiram from NY wants to discuss whether Jesus/Jeshua actually existed. Listen in and find out how Eric unpacks this and talks about what actually matters!
The following caller named Tessa from South Korea. Her mom is terrified of not being spiritual and is aghast about her daughter being an atheist. Can Eric help Tessa with talking with her mom sincerely and gently.
The next caller in the queue is Patrick from Missouri, a repeat caller. He is a pub owner who had a patron come in asking about his call on the show. He recently joined a like-minded group and seems to be doing well. Congrats Patrick!
Next up is Richard in Virginia steps up to the plate to discuss using the scientific method on the passages within the bible. Tune in and find out if Eric and Vi can figure out if this works. (It doesn’t.)
Afterward, Ethan from Tennessee wants to talks about how to talk about controversial topics with religious people without outing himself as an atheist. This can be tricky and difficult to navigate. Be sure to listen in!
Next, Wounded Fox from Massachusetts calls us back, would like to continue to discuss nihilism. “You’re not special,” but we are glad you are here.
The next caller, William from Oklahoma is struggling with continuing a relationship with his fundamentalist Christian brother. Can Eric and Vi help him? Be better than your Voldemort! William, if you find this later, here’s a link to a group in your area: https://oklahomaatheists.com/
Afterwards, Dean from North Carolina asks what evidence is needed to believe in a creator and what gives us pause about our atheism. “Interesting” apologist questions, listen in to hear how Eric and Vi explain their positions.
Our last caller, Duane from Tennessee. Wonders about an interesting thought experiment about human achievements throughout history and how better to debate theists.
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Talk Heathen 03.42 2019-10-20 with Vi La Bianca & Matt Dillahunty Oct 20, 2019

Show notes

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Talk Heathen 03.41 2019-10-13 with Eric Murphy & Vi La Bianca Oct 13, 2019

Show notes

13 OCTOBER 2019 / 1:00-2:00 PM /
HOSTS: Eric Murphy, Vi La Bianca
SHOW ITINERARY
0:00 Announcements & Updates.
0:03 John from Alabama,
0:28 Steve from Alabama,
0:58 Tawana from Florida,
1:11 Jan from West Virginia,
1:19 Fox from Massachusetts,
1:32 Charlie from Illinois,
1:46 Michelle from California,
SHOW NOTES
In this episode of Talk Heathen, Eric Murphy is joined by Vi La Bianca, continuing on a journey to help others find the truth and making friends along the way.
After some announcements, they begin taking calls. The first caller is John from Alabama. He claims to have experienced something supernatural and has some questions about it. Was this a demon, a dream, or a hallucination? Did using Jesus’ name help cast it out? Can Eric and Vi help him investigate this claim?
The next caller, Steve from Alabama calls in asking about the soul and even questioning if life is real. Is there a way for Eric and Vi to help him understand life is a process and see the holes in his logic? Listen in and find out!
The following caller named Tawana in Florida wants to answer the question on why they still believe. Eric would love to see tangible evidence on the air and asks them to put a spell or curse on him. Tune in and find out what will happen to Eric (by January!)
Next in the queue is Jan from West Virginia. Jan would like to talk about how the religious must submit to their god, how it is designed to make you feel worthless, and how horrible that is. Eric contributes to the conversation by helping her see there is a better way to debate theists rather than being an “angry atheist.”
Following that call is Fox from Massachusetts. He would “love” to talk about nihilism, discuss a previous call, and talk about the idea of the multiverse in quantum theory. Can Eric help him avoid possible logical fallacies and pitfalls?
The next caller is Charlie from Illinois. He is curious about destiny (or a predetermined force), deja vu, and the laws of the universe. Eric says NO! There is no hard determinism and there isn’t free will. Watch him explain this and more!
Our last caller today is Michelle from California. She is struggling with finally letting go of her theism. It’s really scary to question faith during the process of deconversion, it’s also very normal. Watch Eric and Vi help her through this part of the process. Michelle could also benefit from talking to a counselor:
https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org
https://www.seculartherapy.org/
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-heathen--3195702/support.

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